I’ve already written a post with some sustainable gift ideas for the holiday season. But in addition to thinking about alternative, sustainable gifts, it is also important to think about how you wrap any physical presents. When you really stop to think about it, the way we pack gifts for the holidays is a trulyContinue reading “Why Buying Wrapping Paper is a Bad Idea”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
The Future of Farming
Food system reform is a hot topic. It is essential that agriculture changes, if we are to successfully tackle the environmental and social challenges we face. As a permaculture designer, I often focus on the basics – energy use, water, fertility… But as we develop sustainable growing systems, we need to recognise that while weContinue reading “The Future of Farming”
Case Study: Florida Permaculture Design
The plan above is for a site of approximately 3 acres in Baker, Florida. The site is in USDA planting zone 8, and experiences mean annual air temperature of 55-70 degrees F, and mean annual rainfall of 40-69 inches. Average summer highs are around 91.4 degrees, and average winter lows are around 39.2 degrees F.Continue reading “Case Study: Florida Permaculture Design”
Weed Seeds To Eat
When we think of autumn foraging, wild fruits are likely the first things that spring to mind. But there are also other more unusual edibles to consider. Today, I thought I would mention three types of seed that I use around this time of year. The first of these is nettle seeds. Nettle seeds mightContinue reading “Weed Seeds To Eat”
Why Brambles Aren’t Always Bad
Many gardeners wage war on brambles. But blackberry brambles aren’t always bad. We should learn to recognise that we should not view them as ‘thugs’ that invade and take over, but as amazing and useful plants to embrace in our gardens. Many gardeners wonder how to get rid of brambles. They worry when brambles creepContinue reading “Why Brambles Aren’t Always Bad”
Why Sustainability is Good For Business
Businesses often feel that they have to focus on the bottom line. And it is certainly the case that businesses have to operate within existing economic systems. Put simply – a business needs to make money. But increasingly, it is clear that sustainability is more than just ‘the right thing to do’. Operating in aContinue reading “Why Sustainability is Good For Business”
Why Carbon Offsetting is Not Enough
Many individuals and businesses are lulled into a false sense of security by the idea that they can simply offset the carbon they emit or are responsible for emitting with a carbon offset scheme. But the truth of the matter is that carbon offsetting alone will not tackle the climate crisis, not solve the otherContinue reading “Why Carbon Offsetting is Not Enough”
Patterns in Permaculture
In permaculture, you will often hear talk of designing from patterns to details. Most frequently, this idea is applied to garden design. We think about the patterns of sunlight and water, plant growth and human interaction. Since permaculture can also be applied in other areas of life, patterns can also refer to a range ofContinue reading “Patterns in Permaculture”
Choosing Heritage Fruit Tree Varieties
Diversity is important not only when it comes to the types, but also the varieties of the produce and other plants we grow. Choosing heritage of heirloom varieties helps retain genetic diversity. It helps in safeguarding traditional varietals for future generations and in retaining variety in our food supplies. When choosing fruit trees for aContinue reading “Choosing Heritage Fruit Tree Varieties”
Case Study: Massachusetts Garden Design
Located in Massachusetts, this is a plan for a domestic garden. The site is largely level, laid largely to lawn at present, with many mature trees around the property boundary. Many of the existing trees can be retained, though I recommended establishing better under-storey planting utilising a range of useful native plants. The property isContinue reading “Case Study: Massachusetts Garden Design”
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